Duties and Promises

Benedictine Oblate life is primarily a spiritual life. The key
to this life is found in the Rule of St. Benedict:
"That God may be glorified in all things" (RB 57:9). For the
oblate, "all things" encompasses prayer, work, studies, church,
recreation, family, friends and even enemies. The oblate truly
seeks God in every aspect of life.

What is expected of an oblate? The duties are not difficult or
overwhelming. Yet, if they are faithfully carried out, the oblate
will find one's ordinary Christian life has become more spiritually
satisfying.

Duties

Pray daily the Liturgy of the Hours. Morning and evening prayer
are included in the Liturgy of the Hours for Benedictine
Oblates, available for sale from the Oblate Office.

Read from the Rule of St. Benedict each
day.

Practice lectio divina each day. This
meditative reading from the Scripture or other religious writings
expands the oblate's love, knowledge and appreciation of the
spiritual way of life.

Participate frequently in the sacraments of the Eucharist and
Reconciliation. (Oblates who are not Roman Catholic should be
faithful to their denominational beliefs of church and
prayer.)

Be attentive to God's presence in ordinary, daily life.

Promises

Stability of Heart - This promise expresses the oblate's
commitment to a particular monastic community. Stability of heart
reaffirms the basic promise of conversion made at baptism.

Fidelity to the Spirit of Monastic Life - This promise
expresses a commitment to live a life of spirituality, piety and
balance.

Obedience to the Will of God - This is a promise to grow in
discernment of God's will through prayer, spiritual direction and
faithfulness to one's religious traditions. Obedience is not a
series of acts grudgingly done, but the response of a willing heart
in service to God.

Oblate life is formed through community. The oblate is
affiliated spiritually with Saint Meinrad and thus shares in the
prayer, work, love and commitment of the community. The oblates
also form community in chapters and among their family, friends and
church. By being part of the Benedictine community, the oblate is
able to live more fully the Christian life.